Last Tuesday (24/09/24), a referendum proposal in Italy which aims to reduce the time required for residence to apply for citizenship from 10 to 5 years has reached 500 signatures, the minimum number to be presented to the Constitutional Court.
The committee promoting the referendum argues that the change “would bring Italy into line with most European standards”, and indeed in most Western European countries citizenship can be acquired in about five years, as opposed to the ten currently required in Italy.
Deadlines in the main European countries
In France, for example, five years of continuous residence, a stable job, and passing language and history exams are sufficient to apply for citizenship.
Germany, which recently reduced the residency period from eight to five years, has similar requirements, such as the need to prove a stable income and knowledge of the German language.
In contrast, countries in the Eastern EuropeCountries like Slovakia and Hungary maintain longer periods, requiring up to eight years of residency and a high level of proficiency in the local language. These countries are traditionally more resistant to immigration, which is reflected in the stricter criteria for naturalization.
Check the deadlines in the main European countries:
France: requires five years of continuous residence, financial stability and passing a language exam (level B1) and a French history exam. There are easier paths for spouses of French citizens.
Germany: with a recent change in the law, the required period of residence has been reduced from eight to five years. A job or a stable source of income and knowledge of German (level B1) are required.
Spain: the standard period is ten years, but for Spanish-speaking Latin American citizens and citizens of some former Spanish colonies, this period is reduced to two years. It is also necessary to pass a language and culture exam.
Austria: requires six years of residency, with the obligation to prove a stable income for at least 36 months. Language and social knowledge tests are required, with strict requirements regarding criminal convictions.
Sweden: Requires five years of residency, but no language or history tests are required. Even those who have committed crimes can obtain citizenship, as long as they comply with additional waiting periods.
Países Baixos: require five years of continuous residence, with less stringent standards compared to other countries in terms of linguistic and historical knowledge.
Malta: allows citizenship to be obtained in just one year in exchange for a minimum investment of 750 thousand euros, which has generated criticism due to the excessively flexible criteria. (Photo: Depositphotos)
